Business

Secondhand is winning two-to-one on my clothing rack. It makes sense. I grew up thrifting. I'll never forget the thrill of digging up the navy-blue plush hoodie of my dreams at one of the countless flea markets I visited with my mom as a kid. But today, I'm on a smaller mission for a basic black t-shirt because I'm over the ones I have. Since I found that hoodie, secondhand has had a serious glow up. Small, chaotic charity shops like Goodwill or Oxfam have given way to minimalistic vintage boutiques where a used shirt can cost more than a new one. And it's big business. In 2024, the global secondhand apparel market was worth $227 billion (€194 billion) — as much as Apple's yearly sales, according to retail analyst Neil Saunders. Younger Gen Z and millennial consumers are driving the thri...

The US Federal Reserve , commonly known as the Fed, lowered its benchmark rate Wednesday by a quarter percentage point, the first such cut since last year. It cut the benchmark lending rate to a range between 4.0% and 4.25%. The Fed paused its easing cycle in January due to uncertainty over how President Donald Trump's import tariffs might affect inflation and the overall economy. It said Wednesday's cut was warranted as, "downside risks to employment have risen" even as inflation has "moved up and remains somewhat elevated." Although inflation remains slightly above the Fed's target rate of 2%, data shows hiring has slowed to a halt in recent months, while the unemployment rate has risen.  Lowering interest rates, and reducing borrowing costs, is tool used by central banks to boost h...

Auckland, NZ – August 25, 2025 – Superior Renovations, Auckland's premier home renovation company, is excited to announce the launch of Sonder Architects, its dedicated architectural department. This new initiative, led by the accomplished architect John Mao, aims to streamline the renovation process by providing specialized architectural services tailored to consent-required projects. With a team of seasoned designers, Sonder Architects is set to simplify consents, enhance design precision, and ensure seamless integration from concept to completion. Founded by Kevin Yang and Steven Ngov, Superior Renovations has built a reputation for transforming homes with a unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. Over the years, the company has completed countless projec...

AI is changing the way we gather information and seek advice, including when we’re making big life decisions. From meal plans and budgeting tools to home workouts and school homework help, platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini and CoPilot are now regular parts of everyday Kiwi life. So it makes sense that people are using AI to learn about financial products, including life insurance. But how much should you rely on AI when it comes to something as important and personal as protecting your family’s future? Let’s take a closer look. Where AI gets it right AI is a great starting point - especially if you’re completely new to life insurance. When asked things like “Do I actually need life insurance in NZ?” or “How much does life insurance cost in NZ?”, AI usually gives a clear, simple explanatio...

Auckland businesses continue to invest in websites that load fast, convert reliably, and scale with growth. This ranking recognises five agencies serving the region with consistent delivery, clear pricing or value, and transparent service scopes.Our selection criteria Proven focus on small to mid-sized business outcomes, not just portfolio polish. Clear positioning or specialist capability such as AI workflow, Shopify, or WordPress Public evidence of services, promises, or results on official pages or partner directories Auckland presence or New Zealand coverage with Auckland clientsThe 2025 List 1) Kiwi Web Design (Auckland) Kiwi Web Design leads this year’s list for its AI-first production workflow and small-business pricing. The agency advertises starter Wo...

Times are tough for many small businesses, and we understand that sometimes there just isn’t the cash flow available to make large settlement or Authority-ordered payments all in one lump sum.  However, what happens if you, as an employer, decide not to comply with a Record of Settlement or a determination of the Authority?  The Authority has been dealing with a spate of such cases recently, and while it can be a frustrating process for the unpaid employees, one thing is clear: these matters do not go away if you ignore them.    The Authority has made a compliance order in Satija v Epiphany Donuts Newtown Ltd [2025] NZERA 383, where the employer had entered into a Record of Settlement, and then failed to make payments on time.  In Satija, the Authority had issued a determination ordering...

A Premier Location in Auckland     Travelling with children during winter can sometimes feel like a juggling act, packing layers, keeping kids entertained, and making sure everyone is comfortable. At Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites, we make it easy by offering everything families need in one convenient place. Our hotel is located in one of Auckland’s premier areas, close to the city’s top schools, hospitals, and specialist clinics, making it an excellent choice for families visiting for both leisure and medical care. We’re also just a short stroll to Westfield Newmarket, Auckland’s largest shopping mall, with endless options for dining, movies, and family-friendly activities. Transport connections are excellent, with easy access to Highway 1, and we’re close to major venues...

Selling your old, damaged, or unwanted vehicle can be frustrating sometimes, but it is straightforward with services like cash for cars in Auckland. You can turn your scrap cars into cash within a few minutes. Whether the vehicle is broken, has failed WOF or rego, or is no longer needed, understanding this process can save you money, time and stress. What Is Cash For Cars? Cash for cars is a service where car owners sell their vehicles, regardless of condition, to certified auto wreckers or recyclers and get immediate payment. Unlike private selling, there is no need to advertise, negotiate, or wait weeks for a sale. The services handle everything from free vehicle inspection to removal, and offer free same-day pickup. Who Can Use Cash For Cars Services? Almost every vehicle owner can ...

Bhim of BK Painters was unsure how he was going to promote his existing painting skills in Palmerston North beyond the large word-of-mouth following that he had already accumulated after years of hard work painting homes in the local area. He had completed many jobs in West Palmerston North but wanted some way to show his photos to new customers easier to give them a better idea of the quality of the painting work he can complete with other local comparable examples. Bhim approached Dazzly to create a website and was surprised how easy they were to deal with. Within minutes of signing up for free, he had a website layout before his eyes that was really suitable, all he had to do was load in some of his own photos and it would change into a unique website design for BK Painters that would...

We are delighted to welcome Paulette Coombes, transformational life coach, to NZ Business Connect. Paulette’s journey into coaching began in 2023, when personal development created a profound turning point in her own life. Inspired by the lasting change she experienced, she followed her calling and trained with the Brave Thinking Institute as both a Dream Builder Coach and a Life Mastery Consultant. By October 2024, she had officially launched her coaching practice, dedicated to helping others design lives they truly love. Paulette offers transformational coaching via Zoom through one-on-one sessions, group coaching, and workshops both live and online. Her core programmes include the 12-week Dream Builder Programme, the 4-week Standing Firm Programme, and her six-month VIP offerings suc...